I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I’m not crazy. I’m an author. For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. My zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, I wouldn’t suggest it.I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.As a child, I never sucked on a pacifier; I chewed on a pencil. I’ve been writing that long. It has only been the past few years that I’ve pursued it professionally, forged relationships with other like-minded individuals, and determined to make a career out of it.You can subscribe and follow me on my website, where I blog obsessively about my writing process and post updates on my current works. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook, but be forewarned, I tweet and post more than a normal person.

Trace Monroe doesn’t believe in luck. He never has. But when a fiery-headed cowgirl saunters through the saloon doors, wielding shotguns and a know-how for killing the living dead, he believes he just may be the luckiest man alive. Trace wants to join "Red’s" posse, but she prefers to work alone—less messy that way.

In order to become her traveling companion, Trace has to agree to her terms: no names, no questions, and if he gets bit, he can’t beg for mercy when she severs his brain stem. He agrees, knowing only that Red is the sharpest shooter he’s ever encountered. The fact she’s stunning hasn’t escaped his attention either.

What he doesn’t know, is that Red has a very good reason to be on top of her game. She not only has the answer for how they can all outlive the plague taking over the wild, wild west, she is the answer

Red always knew she would have to face the man who nearly destroyed her. She just didn’t figure it would happen so soon...

With the plague sweeping across the nation, destroying many and turning others into walking corpses, survivors head West in search of a chosen land, a place designed to keep the infected out, while sealing survivors inside. In theory, the idea seems the only way to keep humanity alive. In practice, it doesn’t matter whether a person is on the inside or the out—there is no humanity.

...And even though John Gatherum hunted her down and instigated their reunion, Red’s no longer the passive girl he once manipulated. This time, she has a hidden agenda of her own.

...Sometimes, the ones you least suspect are the ones that should worry you the most...."

People aren't always what they seem, as Red has experienced all too well. Strangers are feared, towns are avoided, and everyone’s intentions are scrutinized... even those closest to her. Her coveted ability has been revealed to far too many people, and now that a tiny heartbeat thumps and grows beneath her own, the risk has never been greater.

As the group of ten searches for a safe haven, a place to finally call home, the sobering reality of it all finally settles over them: nowhere is safe, nothing is permanent, and death is everywhere. One by one, Red’s reluctant posse grows smaller, as death claims some, and circumstance claims others.

It couldn't be a worse time to bring a newborn into the world... but the baby is coming.

Review book 1Wanted: Dead or Undead

Um. I think I am going to absolutely love this series. First off... zombies. Just..MEEP. Anyways, book 1 centers around Red losing her family and becoming the BADASS ZOMBIE SLAYING BEAST that I love. Then she meets Trace (hehe. LOVE) in a totally cool zombie infested WESTERN TOWN. I am sorry, but I love that combination. Western + Zombie. *nods* YES. Trace is so clueless when it comes to zombies, but I forgive because he is so adorable, sweet, but still no pushover. Him and Red are AWESOME together. They have good chemistry. I mean, it wasn't a *OH MY GODS, MY PASSION FOR YOU BURNS SO HOT, THIS BOOK MAY CATCH ON FIRE* but it was an honest to goodness slowly developed friendship turned sexy times. ;) yep, yep. love it. The book has a nice homey feel throughout the second half. It was different from other zombie novels I have read, because these characters really develop some great relationships and build a HOME together. I loved all the side characters in this book. Wen was pretty badass. Caroline was a sweetheart, though she was a more minor character. While the book still has the cute little homey feel, there is plenty of awful gory gut- eating action for you to gnaw on. (haha... gnaw.. anyways!) The zombies were totally scary! All... trying to eat people's innards.. and stuff. (: They served the book well. Good job, zombies. On that same note, I LOVE the theme behind the book. I will not tell you, because I don't want to spoil.. but.. It was pretty awesome. The main idea is not entirely original as zombie fiction goes, but the development and actual story was wicked cool. But still a little disturbing. You won't find sunshine and unicorns in this aspect of the novel. And other parts made me SO SAD as well. The author may like to give you the warm fuzzy family aspect in some parts, but she is not afraid to break your heart or make you sick in others. *grins*

I want to point out that the book is told in alternating third person between Trace (MEEP) and RED (YAY). IT only made me that much happier to follow both of my characters. :D You guys know how crazy I am about that. So.. *thumbs up*

This is my status update from goodreads while reading Wanted: Dead or Undead. I just wanted throw it in here somewhere :"This book is pretty good. There is not much gore for the most part- as it focuses more on the group and Red's inner turmoil over everyone relying on her. I love how we can dig into the characters as they grow throughout and they realize things about themselves they did not know before. (: Some of them are pretty sweet and I have to keep steeling myself against the possibility the author might kill them off- lol."Haha. Right after that update, I think a really gory part came up. lol

All in all, Book 1 is a Gory- yet homey, Heartwarming- yet disturbing, awesome read that I would recommend to anyone who loves Zombie fiction, strong female leads, sweet romances, or horror fiction in general. I feel like it is even tame enough for pure romance lovers (well, maybe not that one part..) Yeah okay.. maybe not tame enough for pure romance lovers. ;)

ON TO BOOK 2! :D

4.8/5

Review book 2:Survivor Roundup

I had a serious emotional breakdown when I was around 56 percent through with this book. lol. I am going to be honest with you. I had a small problem with one of my beloved characters and almost stopped reading because they were pissing me off. O.O But then I thought about it and a lot of it was overreaction on my part. Some of it was justified because my character just CHANGED and I was a little dumbfounded. But it was a justified change and my character was having a moment, so I decided to let it go. I put my big girl pants on and told myself to stop being a whiny brat and keep reading. It got better and I am happy to say that I still loved the book. Not nearly as much as number one, but it was still good. (: And I am working towards forgiving this character. Not quite there yet.. but working. I will say this though, I was into the book enough that when that one part presented itself, I nearly lost it. haha. You can ask Tiffany, I was venting at her. But it caught my attention and stuck with me and it earned my respect due to that. Any book that can make me attached enough to the characters that when something goes wonky with one of them, I become that upset... well, *shrug* like I said, respect.

You guys! There are more characters in this book that I have come to love. *smiles* meep! Oh. *shrug* And a few that I absolutely HATED. whatever, I'm over it. *pouts*

I feel like in each book, a new character is added that I just want to hug so hard. lol. and in this book, that character is Kitchi. He was great. (:

Also, this book made me smile so hard it hurt in this one part. It was just so hilarious to me and I completely sympathized with Trace. haha. Smiling just thinking about it. "KAW!" *giggle*

And then BAM another part made me want to curl up in a ball. D:

There was some serious darkness in this book and at some points I was just like... O.O You are going to break my heart, you MONSTER. lol. But.. I kind of loved it. I know, I know, I'm SICK.

Also, WHOAH, Villain alert. O.O That is one crazy B*****d. *shudders*

So.. all in all? The second book was slap full of some new and AWESOME characters with unique personalities, and plenty of dry humor. There was some crazy darkness, but there is still that fantastic underlying since of family love and devotion. Oh, right. Can't forget about those crazy zombies! :D They were all "IMA EAT CHOO" and people were all... "OMA GAWD! D:" It was great. :D

3.9/5

GiveawayI am going to pick one of you lovelies to win your choice of either an ebook of Book 1 or an ebook of book 2 (WANTED: Dead or Undead or SURVIVOR ROUNDUP). (: So just comment. Anything you want, really. Tell me your fave zombie fiction, what you are going to dress up as for Halloween, your favorite candy, how old you are, your favorite candy, whether or not you think the combo of Western and Zombie is awesome or weird (awesome). Just anything. Or leave a smiley face. Heck, I don't care. lol. But you have to have a comment thingy and a way to contact you. *shrug* Go on, do your worst. I shall choose by random comment. May the random-est comment win.Schedule

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan needs to save the demonic realm of the Ever After in the eleventh entry in the New York Times bestselling Hollows series from supernatural adventure master Kim Harrison.When Rachel sets off a chain of events that could lead to the end of the world—demonic and human—she must use her gifts to save those closest to her while preventing an apocalypse.Satisfying and sexy, a visit to the Hollows will take readers on a wild journey that will capture their imagination. Fans of Charlaine Harris and Stephenie Meyer won't be able to resist Kim Harrison's alternative universe—urban fantasy Cincinnati complete with vampires, witches, and other enchanting creatures—where spine-tingling adventures and fast-paced action are the norm.

The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic in our own. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix this, before life utterly changes for the worse.

Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after--one who eats souls--has vowed to destroy Rachel, and kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.

Rachel must team up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack--a prospect both thrilling and dismaying--to return to the ever after and rescue the hostages, then keep both worlds from being destroyed.

New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison was born and raised in the upper Midwest. Her bestselling Hollows novels include Dead Witch Walking, The Good, The Bad, and The Undead, Every Which Way But Dead, A Fistful of Charms, For a Few Demons More, The Outlaw Demon Wails, White Witch, Black Curse, Black Magic Sanction, Pale Demon, A Perfect Blood, plus the short story collection Into the Woods and The Hollows Insider. She also writes the bestselling Madison Avery YA series.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Nothing can stand in the way of outspoken, rule-breaker-extraordinaire, Kaddy Richston…except destiny. Born with wildly colored hair and piercing gray eyes Kaddy knew she was different, but she set her sights on her ambitious dreams of being in a rock band and leaving her small town behind along with the painful memories of her past.But destiny has other plans for her. When the calm, cool, and always collected Cole Huntington enters her life he takes a strange interest in her, his striking blue eyes never wandering far from her every move. Despite her efforts to push him away, he plans on unraveling every single one of Kaddy’s dark secrets even though he has some of his own. Despising each other from the start, Kaddy is determined to undermine whatever intentions he has until she learns of a destiny she never asked for. The fate of the world lies in her hands as she learns how different she really is. The only person she can turn to for answers is the last person she’d want help from: Cole Huntington who seems to dislike her rule-breaking as much as she dislikes his rule-following.Sometimes destiny sucks.

I have always loved writing, telling stories, and the idea of dreaming big because where I come from, you dream big or you don't dream at all. I'm a full-time author with my slightly insane cat, Juey, who is always happy to keep me company as he so often thinks he can lay on my keyboard to "assist" my writing. I write stories because life wouldn't be as fun without the occasional break from reality.

I am the author of the YA paranormal romance Flightless Bird series, the mature YA/New Adult paranormal romance Fighting Fate series and many more stories to come. When I'm not writing it's either because I ran out of iced tea, I'm out

Excerpt

“Kaddy, wait.” I heard Mike trailing me as I turned out of the Wheel Barrel.

I pressed a hand to my temple and sighed. “Yeah?”

“You okay? I know you didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.” Mike scratched the back of his head and looked down at me, worried. “Maybe some lunch will help.”

“What I need is sleep, and what needs to happen is for me to stop having these stupid night terrors.” I leaned back against the hot brick building for a moment.

“You can’t help it. It’s not your fault.” Mike leaned on his shoulder next to me, his hands deep in his apron pockets.

“I know, but I hate it. Why can’t they stop?” I smacked my hand to my forehead and sighed. Against my palm, my skin felt too warm. Was I getting sick? Great. It was the last thing I needed. “Do I feel warm to you?” I dropped my hand and looked over at Mike, giving him permission to touch me with a simple confirmation from my eyes.

Slowly raising his arm, the back of his hand pressed against my cheek. “Damn, Kaddy. You’re burning up! Do you feel all right?”

I shrugged. I did feel all right, just a little warm. “I feel fine. I need some sleep. Promise to plan on going to bed early tonight?” I doubted he would keep this promise. He and I always stayed up late writing music.

Mike still had his hand pressed against my cheek until it shifted up to tug his gray beanie down on my forehead. “Maybe it’s just my awesome hat that’s making you overheat. Who wears a beanie in August?” he joked and I playfully scowled at him as I readjusted the knitted beanie.

“Oh, I’m sure that’s it,” I laughed and gave him a gentle punch on the arm.

“Whoa.” He took a step back. “You been working out or something? That hurt.” Mike held his upper arm like I had socked it with everything I had. I stood there waiting with my “really?” look and raised my eyebrows in anticipation for his mischievous face to appear. If Mike was anything, he was a jokester. Just like I expected, a few seconds later, he cracked a smile on his lips and started laughing.

“You always think your little jokes are hilarious!” Even when I rolled my eyes, I couldn’t stop his infectious laughter from causing me to laugh.

“Kadster, we know I tell the best jokes. I eat sarcasm for breakfast every day.” He winked and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I didn’t shy from his touch.

“So do I, but no one but you find anything I say funny.” I looked up at him as he walked me to the corner of the block, the direction of home. Only Mike called me the Kadster. Actually, he had a lot of nicknames for me and I didn’t mind it. He was one of the few I would let getaway with calling me things other than my name.

“It’s because everyone is just jealous of the awesome friendship we’ve had since we were eight. Haters gonna hate.” He shrugged and his other hand pretended to dust off his shoulder. Mike was the only friend I counted on for anything. Long ago, we made a pact, and so far, he’s kept every word he promised to keep.

Monday, October 28, 2013

BLACK WIDOW

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 22, 2014

Reyna Montoya, a.k.a. Black Widow, is a top assassin. She’s good at what she does and gets the job done with precision. However, the recurring nightmare of seeing her parents murdered when she was sixteen in Cuba is a constant reminder of her ultimate plan… to find the killer and avenge her parents.

Nicolas Vargas fled Cuba with her after the murder, vowing to take care of her and help keep her safe. He is a self-taught computer genius and chemist and her best friend. After more than fifteen years of working closely together, the unrequited sexual tension between them is getting harder and harder to ignore. Would it ruin their friendship or make their bond stronger? However, Reyna is torn. Viper, Black Widow’s handler, is hot as hell and the sparks between them could burn them both.

As Reyna gets closer to her parents’ killer the distraction of two men is dangerous, and the true identity of the murderer could destroy them all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene Sanchez was born in New York and raised in Miami. Her family and friends are an important part of her life, a constant inspiration, and keep her motivated to succeed in pursuing her dream. She has had a passion for writing since her ninth grade English teacher put it all into perspective for her. “Write how you speak and write what you know.” She credits her teacher every chance she gets for giving her a love of writing!

Marlene writes mystery/suspense with a sprinkle of romance. Her love of crime and legal dramas, and of course The Godfather, has opened her eyes to the wonderful world of mystery/suspense. The action and thrill is what keeps her fingers gliding across the keyboard, as her brain explodes with ideas about the next unfortunate victim.

She is a strong, independent woman because her Cuban mother raised her right. Her main characters embrace that same attitude; strong Cuban American women that take no “caca” from anyone.

Marlene has a couple of books under her belt, with several in the works to release in 2014. She hopes to someday be a household name, at least in her own home if nowhere else. She just wants her sons to be proud of her, that’s reward enough… Yeah right, she wants the fame and fortune too.

Stacking The Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which we share the books we are adding to our shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include
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May 8th. (:

Tiffany and Ryan

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The FTC requires us to state that a percentage of the books we review are from the Authors. We receive them for free in exchange for an HONEST review. We do not receive any monetary compensation or such nonsense in exchange for reviews. Other books are reviewed are books we have bought, traded from other book lovers, won, or received as gifts.